diff --git a/engine.py b/engine.py
index 97dc28de..74785828 100644
--- a/engine.py
+++ b/engine.py
@@ -191,6 +191,11 @@ def data_validator(self):
         """Get the AliasDataValidator object to help validate the Alias data."""
         return self.__data_validator
 
+    @property
+    def executable_path(self):
+        """Get the path to the currently running Alias executable."""
+        return self.alias_execpath
+
     # -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     # Override base Engine class methods
     # -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -241,7 +246,7 @@ def post_context_change(self, old_context, new_context):
         self.logger.debug("%s: Post context change...", self)
 
         # Rebuild the menu only if we change of context and if we're running Alias in interactive mode
-        if self.has_ui:
+        if self.has_ui and self.__menu_generator:
             self.__menu_generator.build()
 
     def destroy_engine(self):
@@ -358,14 +363,25 @@ def restart_process(self):
         with Alias (e.g. OpenAlias mode).
         """
 
-        if self.__menu_generator:
-            self.__menu_generator.clean_menu()
+        self.logger.info("Restarting the Alias Engine...")
 
-        if self.__sio:
-            self.__sio.emit_threadsafe("restart")
-        else:
+        if not self.__sio:
             raise NotImplementedError()
 
+        if self.__menu_generator:
+            status = self.__menu_generator.remove_menu()
+            if status == self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
+                self.logger.debug("Removed ShotGrid menu from Alias successfully.")
+            elif status == self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Failure.value:
+                self.logger.error("Failed to remove ShotGrid menu from Alias")
+            else:
+                self.logger.warning(
+                    f"Alias Python API menu.remove() returned non-success status code {status}"
+                )
+        self.__menu_generator = None
+
+        self.__sio.emit_threadsafe("restart")
+
     def shutdown(self):
         """
         Shutdown the application running the engine.
@@ -375,6 +391,8 @@ def shutdown(self):
         on the engine itself).
         """
 
+        self.logger.info("Shutting down the Alias Engine...")
+
         from sgtk.platform.qt import QtGui
 
         qt_app = QtGui.QApplication.instance() or self.__qt_app
@@ -474,8 +492,16 @@ def post_qt_init(self):
         # Check if there is a file set to open on startup
         path = os.environ.get("SGTK_FILE_TO_OPEN", None)
         if path:
-            self.open_file(path)
-            # clear the env var after loading so that it doesn't get reopened on an engine restart.
+            if self.__sio:
+                self.open_file(path)
+            else:
+                # Add a timer to delay opening the file for 5 seconds. This is a work around for
+                # Alias when running SG in the same process (<2024), which is not ready to open
+                # a file on engine startup. This is not a bullet proof solution, but it should
+                # work in most cases, and there is not a better alternative to support older
+                # versions of Alias.
+                QtCore.QTimer.singleShot(1000 * 5, lambda: self.open_file(path))
+            # Clear the env var after loading so that it doesn't get reopened on an engine restart.
             del os.environ["SGTK_FILE_TO_OPEN"]
 
     def save_context_for_stage(self, context=None):
@@ -509,9 +535,11 @@ def save_file(self):
         """
 
         status = self.alias_py.save_file()
-        if status != self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
-            self.logger.error(
-                "Alias Python API Error: save_file returned non-success status code {}".format(
+        if status == self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Failure.value:
+            self.logger.error("Alias Python API save_file failed")
+        elif status != self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
+            self.logger.warning(
+                "Alias Python API save_file returned non-success status code {}".format(
                     status
                 )
             )
@@ -529,9 +557,11 @@ def save_file_as(self, path):
         """
 
         status = self.alias_py.save_file_as(path)
-        if status != self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
-            self.logger.error(
-                "Alias Python API Error: save_file_as('{}') returned non-success status code {}".format(
+        if status == self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Failure.value:
+            self.logger.error("Alias Python API save_file_as failed")
+        elif status != self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
+            self.logger.warning(
+                "Alias Python API save_file_as('{}') returned non-success status code {}".format(
                     path, status
                 )
             )
@@ -549,9 +579,11 @@ def open_file(self, path):
         """
 
         status = self.alias_py.open_file(path)
-        if status != self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
-            self.logger.error(
-                "Alias Python API Error: open_file('{}') returned non-success status code {}".format(
+        if status == self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Failure.value:
+            self.logger.error("Alias Python API open_file failed")
+        elif status != self.alias_py.AlStatusCode.Success.value:
+            self.logger.warning(
+                "Alias Python API open_file('{}') returned non-success status code {}".format(
                     path, status
                 )
             )
diff --git a/hooks/menu_customization.py b/hooks/menu_customization.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e3e09866
--- /dev/null
+++ b/hooks/menu_customization.py
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# Copyright (c) 2023 Autodesk
+#
+# CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY
+#
+# This work is provided "AS IS" and subject to the ShotGrid Pipeline Toolkit
+# Source Code License included in this distribution package. See LICENSE.
+# By accessing, using, copying or modifying this work you indicate your
+# agreement to the ShotGrid Pipeline Toolkit Source Code License. All rights
+# not expressly granted therein are reserved by Autodesk.
+
+import sgtk
+
+HookBaseClass = sgtk.get_hook_baseclass()
+
+
+class MenuCustomization(HookBaseClass):
+    """Hook to allow customizing the ShotGrid menu in Alias."""
+
+    def sorted_menu_commands(self, commands):
+        """
+        Return the given commands as a list in the order they should be displayed in the menu.
+
+        The menu will display the commands in the order they are returned by this method. the
+        default implementation will sort the commands alphabetically by command's app name,
+        then the command name itself.
+
+        The engine commands should be retrieved from the engine `commands` property. Apply
+        any custom ordering to these commands.
+
+        The commands are returned as a list of tuples, where the first item corresponds to the
+        command dict entry key, and the second item is the command dict entry value.
+
+        :param commands: The commands to add to the menu.
+        :type commands: dict
+
+        :return: The list of commands in order they should be displayed in.
+        :rtype: List[tuple[str, dict]]
+        """
+
+        # To display menu commands in the order that they are defined in the config settings,
+        # uncomment the line below. Note that this requirest Python >= 3.7 because it relies
+        # on the dictionary preserve their order of insertion.
+        # return list(commands.items())
+
+        # Sort by the command app name (if not a context menu command), then the command name.
+        return sorted(
+            commands.items(),
+            key=lambda command: (
+                command[1]["properties"]["app"].display_name
+                if command[1].get("properties", {}).get("app")
+                and command[1].get("properties", {}).get("type", "default")
+                != "context_menu"
+                else "Other Items",
+                command[0],
+            ),
+        )
diff --git a/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/collector.py b/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/collector.py
index 678ec29e..43bcdbb1 100644
--- a/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/collector.py
+++ b/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/collector.py
@@ -9,9 +9,11 @@
 # not expressly granted therein are reserved by Shotgun Software Inc.
 
 import os
+import tempfile
 
 import sgtk
-import alias_api
+from sgtk.platform.qt import QtGui
+
 
 HookBaseClass = sgtk.get_hook_baseclass()
 
@@ -46,6 +48,11 @@ def settings(self):
 
         return collector_settings
 
+    @property
+    def alias_py(self):
+        """Get the Alias api module."""
+        return self.parent.engine.alias_py
+
     def process_current_session(self, settings, parent_item):
         """
         Analyzes the current scene open in a DCC and parents a subtree of items
@@ -62,7 +69,7 @@ def process_current_session(self, settings, parent_item):
             parent_item.properties["bg_processing"] = bg_processing.value
 
         # get the path to the current file
-        path = alias_api.get_current_path()
+        path = self.alias_py.get_current_path()
 
         # determine the display name for the item
         if path:
@@ -80,6 +87,9 @@ def process_current_session(self, settings, parent_item):
         icon_path = os.path.join(self.disk_location, os.pardir, "icons", "alias.png")
         session_item.set_icon_from_path(icon_path)
 
+        # set the default thumbnail to the current Alias viewport
+        session_item.thumbnail = self._get_thumbnail_pixmap()
+
         # add a new item for Alias translations to separate them from the main session item
         translation_item = session_item.create_item(
             "alias.session.translation", "Alias Translations", "All Alias Translations"
@@ -111,3 +121,34 @@ def process_current_session(self, settings, parent_item):
         vred_item.set_icon_from_path(icon_path)
 
         self.logger.info("Collected current Alias file")
+
+    def _get_thumbnail_pixmap(self):
+        """
+        Generate a thumbnail from the current Alias viewport.
+
+        :return: A thumbnail of the current Alias viewport.
+        :rtype: QtGui.QPixmap
+        """
+
+        pixmap = None
+        thumbnail_path = None
+
+        try:
+            thumbnail_path = tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(
+                suffix=".jpg", prefix="sgtk_thumb", delete=False
+            ).name
+            status = self.alias_py.store_current_window(thumbnail_path)
+            if not self.alias_py.py_utils.is_success(status):
+                self.logger.warning(
+                    f"Alias API store_current_window returned non-success status code '{status}'"
+                )
+            pixmap = QtGui.QPixmap(thumbnail_path)
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.logger.error(f"Failed to set default thumbnail: {e}")
+        finally:
+            try:
+                os.remove(thumbnail_path)
+            except:
+                pass
+
+        return pixmap
diff --git a/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/publish_translation.py b/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/publish_translation.py
index cc062544..80442c92 100644
--- a/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/publish_translation.py
+++ b/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/publish_translation.py
@@ -269,12 +269,21 @@ def validate(self, settings, item):
 
         # if we don't have translator settings, we can't publish
         if not translator.translation_type:
-            self.logger.warning("Couldn't find the translation type.")
+            self.logger.warning(
+                f"Couldn't find the translation type {translator.translator_type}."
+            )
             return False
 
         if not translator.translator_path:
-            self.logger.warning("Couldn't find translator path.")
+            self.logger.warning(f"Couldn't determine which translator to use.")
+            return False
+
+        if not os.path.exists(translator.translator_path):
+            self.logger.warning(
+                f"Translator path does not exist {translator.translator_path}."
+            )
             return False
+        self.logger.info(f"Translator in use: {translator.translator_path}.")
 
         # store the licensing information in the item properties so that the translation could be run in
         # background mode
diff --git a/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/upload_version.py b/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/upload_version.py
index ab589c1f..51ecc178 100644
--- a/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/upload_version.py
+++ b/hooks/tk-multi-publish2/basic/upload_version.py
@@ -9,22 +9,15 @@
 # not expressly granted therein are reserved by Shotgun Software Inc.
 import os
 import shutil
+import tempfile
+
 import sgtk
 
 HookBaseClass = sgtk.get_hook_baseclass()
 
 
 class UploadVersionPlugin(HookBaseClass):
-    """
-    Plugin for sending quicktimes and images to ShotGrid for review.
-    """
-
-    # Translation workers are responsible for performing the LMV translation.
-    # 'local': a local translator will be used, determined based on file type and current engine
-    # 'framework':  the tk-framework-lmv translator will be used (default)
-    TRANSLATION_WORKER_LOCAL = "local"
-    TRANSLATION_WORKER_FRAMEWORK = "framework"
-    TRANSLATION_WORKERS = [TRANSLATION_WORKER_LOCAL, TRANSLATION_WORKER_FRAMEWORK]
+    """Plugin for uploading Versions to ShotGrid for review."""
 
     # Version Type string constants
     VERSION_TYPE_2D = "2D Version"
@@ -46,15 +39,14 @@ class UploadVersionPlugin(HookBaseClass):
         VERSION_TYPE_3D: """
                 Create a Version in ShotGrid for Review.<br/><br/>
                 A 3D Version (LMV translation of your file/scene's geometry) will be created in ShotGrid.
-                This Version can then be reviewed via ShotGrid's many review apps.
+                This Version can then be reviewed via ShotGrid's many review apps.<br/><br/>
+                References in your file will not be included in the 3D version.
             """,
     }
 
     @property
     def icon(self):
-        """
-        Path to an png icon on disk
-        """
+        """Path to an png icon on disk."""
 
         return os.path.join(self.disk_location, os.pardir, "icons", "review.png")
 
@@ -95,11 +87,6 @@ def settings(self):
                 "default": False,
                 "description": "Upload content to ShotGrid?",
             },
-            "Translation Worker": {
-                "type": "str",
-                "default": self.TRANSLATION_WORKER_FRAMEWORK,
-                "description": "Specify the worker to use to perform LMV translation.",
-            },
         }
 
         # update the base settings
@@ -158,6 +145,11 @@ def validate(self, settings, item):
         :returns: True if item is valid, False otherwise.
         """
 
+        path = item.get_property("path")
+        if not path:
+            self.logger.error("No path found for item")
+            return False
+
         # Validate fails if the Version Type is not supported
         version_type = settings.get("Version Type").value
         if version_type not in self.VERSION_TYPE_OPTIONS:
@@ -182,20 +174,21 @@ def validate(self, settings, item):
                     "Please contact Autodesk support to have 3D Review enabled on your ShotGrid site or use the 2D Version publish option instead."
                 )
 
-        framework_lmv = self.load_framework("tk-framework-lmv_v0.x.x")
-        if not framework_lmv:
-            self.logger.error("Could not run LMV translation: missing ATF framework")
-            return False
+            framework_lmv = self.load_framework("tk-framework-lmv_v1.x.x")
+            if not framework_lmv:
+                self.logger.error("Missing required framework tk-framework-lmv v1.x.x")
+                return False
 
-        translation_worker = settings.get("Translation Worker").value
-        if translation_worker not in self.TRANSLATION_WORKERS:
-            self.logger.error(
-                "Unknown Translation Worker '{worker}'. Translation worker must be one of {workers}".format(
-                    worker=translation_worker,
-                    workers=", ".join(self.TRANSLATION_WORKERS),
-                )
+            translator = framework_lmv.import_module("translator")
+            lmv_translator = translator.LMVTranslator(
+                path, self.parent.sgtk, item.context
             )
-            return False
+            lmv_translator_path = lmv_translator.get_translator_path()
+            if not lmv_translator_path:
+                self.logger.error(
+                    "Missing translator for Alias. Alias must be installed locally to run LMV translation."
+                )
+                return False
 
         return True
 
@@ -208,7 +201,7 @@ def publish(self, settings, item):
         :param item: Item to process
         """
 
-        # get the publish "mode" stored inside of the root item properties
+        # Get the publish "mode" stored inside of the root item properties
         bg_processing = item.parent.properties.get("bg_processing", False)
         in_bg_process = item.parent.properties.get("in_bg_process", False)
 
@@ -217,95 +210,66 @@ def publish(self, settings, item):
             publisher = self.parent
             path = item.properties["path"]
 
-            # be sure to strip the extension from the publish name
+            # Be sure to strip the extension from the publish name
             path_components = publisher.util.get_file_path_components(path)
             filename = path_components["filename"]
-            (publish_name, extension) = os.path.splitext(filename)
+            (publish_name, _) = os.path.splitext(filename)
             item.properties["publish_name"] = publish_name
 
-            # create the Version in ShotGrid
+            # Create the Version in ShotGrid
             super(UploadVersionPlugin, self).publish(settings, item)
 
-            # Get the version type to create
-            version_type = settings.get("Version Type").value
-
-            # generate the Version content: LMV file (for 3D) or simple 2D thumbnail
-            if version_type == self.VERSION_TYPE_3D:
-                use_framework_translator = (
-                    settings.get("Translation Worker").value
-                    == self.TRANSLATION_WORKER_FRAMEWORK
+            # Generate media content and upload to ShotGrid
+            version_type = item.properties["sg_version_data"]["type"]
+            version_id = item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"]
+            thumbnail_path = item.get_thumbnail_as_path()
+            media_package_path = None
+            media_version_type = settings.get("Version Type").value
+            if media_version_type == self.VERSION_TYPE_3D:
+                # Pass the thumbnail retrieved to override the LMV thumbnail, and ignore the
+                # LMV thumbnail output
+                media_package_path, _, _ = self._translate_file_to_lmv(
+                    item, thumbnail_path=thumbnail_path
                 )
-                self.logger.debug("Creating LMV files from source file")
-                # translate the file to lmv and upload the corresponding package to the Version
-                (
-                    package_path,
-                    thumbnail_path,
-                    output_directory,
-                ) = self._translate_file_to_lmv(item, use_framework_translator)
-                self.logger.info("Uploading LMV files to ShotGrid")
+                self.logger.info("Translated file to LMV")
+
+            if media_package_path:
+                # For 3D media, a media package path will be generated. Set the translation
+                # type on the Version in order to view 3D media in ShotGrid Web.
                 self.parent.shotgun.update(
-                    entity_type="Version",
-                    entity_id=item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"],
+                    entity_type=version_type,
+                    entity_id=version_id,
                     data={"sg_translation_type": "LMV"},
                 )
+                self.logger.info("Set Version translation type to LMV")
+
+            uploaded_movie_path = media_package_path or thumbnail_path
+            if uploaded_movie_path:
+                # Uplod to the `sg_uploaded_movie` field on the Version so that the Version
+                # thumbnail shows the "play" button on hover from ShotGrid Web
                 self.parent.shotgun.upload(
-                    entity_type="Version",
-                    entity_id=item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"],
-                    path=package_path,
+                    entity_type=version_type,
+                    entity_id=version_id,
+                    path=uploaded_movie_path,
                     field_name="sg_uploaded_movie",
                 )
-                # if the Version thumbnail is empty, update it with the newly created thumbnail
-                if not item.get_thumbnail_as_path() and thumbnail_path:
-                    self.parent.shotgun.upload_thumbnail(
-                        entity_type="Version",
-                        entity_id=item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"],
-                        path=thumbnail_path,
-                    )
-                # delete the temporary folder on disk
-                self.logger.debug("Deleting temporary folder")
-                shutil.rmtree(output_directory)
-
-            elif version_type == self.VERSION_TYPE_2D:
-                thumbnail_path = item.get_thumbnail_as_path()
-                self.logger.debug("Using thumbnail image as Version media")
-                if thumbnail_path:
-                    self.parent.shotgun.upload(
-                        entity_type="Version",
-                        entity_id=item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"],
-                        path=thumbnail_path,
-                        field_name="sg_uploaded_movie",
-                    )
-                else:
-                    use_framework_translator = (
-                        settings.get("Translation Worker").value
-                        == self.TRANSLATION_WORKER_FRAMEWORK
-                    )
-                    self.logger.debug("Converting file to LMV to extract thumbnails")
-                    output_directory, thumbnail_path = self._get_thumbnail_from_lmv(
-                        item, use_framework_translator
-                    )
-                    if thumbnail_path:
-                        self.logger.info("Uploading LMV thumbnail file to ShotGrid")
-                        self.parent.shotgun.upload(
-                            entity_type="Version",
-                            entity_id=item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"],
-                            path=thumbnail_path,
-                            field_name="sg_uploaded_movie",
-                        )
-                        self.parent.shotgun.upload_thumbnail(
-                            entity_type="Version",
-                            entity_id=item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"],
-                            path=thumbnail_path,
-                        )
-                    self.logger.debug("Deleting temporary folder")
-                    shutil.rmtree(output_directory)
-            else:
-                raise NotImplementedError(
-                    "Failed to generate thumbnail for Version Type '{}'".format(
-                        version_type
-                    )
+                self.logger.info(
+                    f"Uploaded Version media from path {uploaded_movie_path}"
+                )
+
+            if thumbnail_path:
+                self.parent.shotgun.upload_thumbnail(
+                    entity_type=version_type,
+                    entity_id=version_id,
+                    path=thumbnail_path,
+                )
+                self.logger.info(
+                    f"Uploaded Version thumbnail from path {thumbnail_path}"
                 )
 
+            # Remove the temporary directory or files created to generate media content
+            self._cleanup_temp_files(media_package_path)
+
     def finalize(self, settings, item):
         """
         Execute the finalization pass. This pass executes once all the publish
@@ -419,7 +383,6 @@ def get_ui_settings(self, widget, items=None):
         version_type_combobox = widget.property("version_type_combobox")
         if version_type_combobox:
             version_type_index = version_type_combobox.currentIndex()
-            # if version_type_index >= 0 and version_type_index < len(self.VERSION_TYPE_OPTIONS):
             if 0 <= version_type_index < len(self.VERSION_TYPE_OPTIONS):
                 self.VERSION_TYPE_OPTIONS[version_type_index]
                 ui_settings["Version Type"] = self.VERSION_TYPE_OPTIONS[
@@ -574,63 +537,73 @@ def _on_version_type_changed(self, version_type, description_label):
     ############################################################################
     # Protected functions
 
-    def _translate_file_to_lmv(self, item, use_framework_translator):
+    def _cleanup_temp_files(self, path, remove_from_root=True):
         """
-        Translate the current Alias file as an LMV package in order to upload it to ShotGrid as a 3D Version
+        Remove any temporary directories or files from the given path.
 
-        :param item: Item to process
-        :param use_framework_translator: True will force the translator shipped with tk-framework-lmv to be used
-        :returns:
-            - The path to the LMV zip file
-            - The path to the LMV thumbnail
-            - The path to the temporary folder where the LMV files have been processed
+        If `remove_from_root` is True, the top most level directory of the given path is
+        used to remove all sub directories and files.
+
+        :param path: The file path to remove temporary files and/or directories from.
+        :type path: str
+        :param remove_from_root: True will remove directories and files from the top most level
+            directory within the root temporary directory, else False will remove the single
+            file or directory (and its children). Default is True.
+        :type remove_from_root: bool
         """
 
-        framework_lmv = self.load_framework("tk-framework-lmv_v0.x.x")
-        translator = framework_lmv.import_module("translator")
+        if path is None or not os.path.exists(path):
+            return  # Cannot clean up a path that does not exist
 
-        # translate the file to lmv
-        lmv_translator = translator.LMVTranslator(item.properties.path)
-        self.logger.info("Converting file to LMV")
-        lmv_translator.translate(use_framework_translator=use_framework_translator)
+        tempdir = tempfile.gettempdir()
+        if os.path.commonpath([path, tempdir]) != tempdir:
+            return  # Not a temporary directory or file
 
-        # package it up
-        self.logger.info("Packaging LMV files")
-        package_path, thumbnail_path = lmv_translator.package(
-            svf_file_name=str(item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"]),
-            thumbnail_path=item.get_thumbnail_as_path(),
-        )
+        if remove_from_root:
+            # Get the top most level of the path that is inside the root temp dir
+            relative_path = os.path.relpath(path, tempdir)
+            path = os.path.normpath(
+                os.path.join(tempdir, relative_path.split(os.path.sep)[0])
+            )
 
-        return package_path, thumbnail_path, lmv_translator.output_directory
+        if os.path.isdir(path):
+            shutil.rmtree(path)
+        elif os.path.isfile(path):
+            os.remove(path)
 
-    def _get_thumbnail_from_lmv(self, item, use_framework_translator):
+    def _translate_file_to_lmv(self, item, thumbnail_path=None):
         """
-        Extract the thumbnail from the source file, using the LMV conversion
+        Translate the current Alias file as an LMV package in order to upload it to ShotGrid as a 3D Version
 
         :param item: Item to process
-        :param use_framework_translator: True will force the translator shipped with tk-framework-lmv to be used
+        :type item: PublishItem
+        :param thumbnail_path: Optionally pass a thumbnail file path to override the LMV
+            thumbnail (this thumbnail will be included in the LMV packaged zip file).
+        :type thumbnail_path: str
+
         :returns:
-            - The path to the temporary folder where the LMV files have been processed
+            - The path to the LMV zip file
             - The path to the LMV thumbnail
+            - The path to the temporary folder where the LMV files have been processed
         """
 
-        framework_lmv = self.load_framework("tk-framework-lmv_v0.x.x")
-        translator = framework_lmv.import_module("translator")
-
-        # translate the file to lmv
-        lmv_translator = translator.LMVTranslator(item.properties.path)
-        self.logger.info("Converting file to LMV")
-        lmv_translator.translate(use_framework_translator=use_framework_translator)
+        path = item.get_property("path")
+        thumbnail_path = thumbnail_path or item.get_thumbnail_as_path()
 
-        self.logger.info("Extracting thumbnails from LMV")
-        thumbnail_path = lmv_translator.extract_thumbnail()
-        if not thumbnail_path:
-            self.logger.warning(
-                "Couldn't retrieve thumbnail data from LMV. Version won't have any associated media"
-            )
-            return lmv_translator.output_directory
+        # Translate the file to LMV
+        framework_lmv = self.load_framework("tk-framework-lmv_v1.x.x")
+        translator = framework_lmv.import_module("translator")
+        lmv_translator = translator.LMVTranslator(path, self.parent.sgtk, item.context)
+        lmv_translator.translate()
+
+        # Package up the LMV files into a zip file
+        file_name = str(item.properties["sg_version_data"]["id"])
+        package_path, lmv_thumbnail_path = lmv_translator.package(
+            svf_file_name=file_name,
+            thumbnail_path=thumbnail_path,
+        )
 
-        return lmv_translator.output_directory, thumbnail_path
+        return package_path, lmv_thumbnail_path, lmv_translator.output_directory
 
     def _is_3d_viewer_enabled(self):
         """
diff --git a/hooks/tk-multi-shotgunpanel/basic/scene_actions.py b/hooks/tk-multi-shotgunpanel/basic/scene_actions.py
index 4d22d612..26f5d64c 100644
--- a/hooks/tk-multi-shotgunpanel/basic/scene_actions.py
+++ b/hooks/tk-multi-shotgunpanel/basic/scene_actions.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 import os
 import sgtk
 import alias_api
+import tempfile
 
 HookBaseClass = sgtk.get_hook_baseclass()
 
@@ -117,6 +118,16 @@ def generate_actions(self, sg_data, actions, ui_area):
                 }
             )
 
+        if "import_note_attachments" in actions:
+            action_instances.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "import_note_attachments",
+                    "params": None,
+                    "caption": "Import Note attachment(s) as canvas image(s)",
+                    "description": "This will create a new canvas for each image attached to the note.",
+                }
+            )
+
         if "import_subdiv" in actions:
             action_instances.append(
                 {
@@ -161,6 +172,9 @@ def execute_action(self, name, params, sg_data):
             path = self.get_publish_path(sg_data)
             self._create_texture_node(path)
 
+        if name == "import_note_attachments":
+            self._import_note_attachments_as_canvas(sg_data)
+
         elif name == "import_subdiv":
             path = self.get_publish_path(sg_data)
             self._import_subdivision(path)
@@ -270,6 +284,31 @@ def _create_texture_node(self, path):
             raise Exception("File not found on disk - '%s'" % path)
         alias_api.create_texture_node(path, True)
 
+    def _import_note_attachments_as_canvas(self, sg_data):
+        """
+        Import the Note attachments as canvas images.
+
+        This will create a new canvas for each image attached to the note.
+
+        :param sg_data: The ShotGrid entity dict for the note.
+        :type sg_data: dict
+        """
+
+        if not sg_data or not sg_data.get("id"):
+            return
+
+        sg_note = self.parent.shotgun.find_one(
+            "Note", [["id", "is", sg_data["id"]]], ["attachments"]
+        )
+        if not sg_note:
+            return
+
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as temp_dir:
+            for attachment in sg_note["attachments"]:
+                temp_path = os.path.join(temp_dir, attachment["name"])
+                self.parent.shotgun.download_attachment(attachment, temp_path)
+                alias_api.create_texture_node(temp_path)
+
     def _import_subdivision(self, path):
         """
         Import a file as subdivision in the current Alias session.
diff --git a/info.yml b/info.yml
index 81910a78..fb1c86a6 100644
--- a/info.yml
+++ b/info.yml
@@ -12,6 +12,11 @@
 
 # expected fields in the configuration file for this engine
 configuration:
+    hook_menu_customization:
+        type: hook
+        description: "A hook that customizes the ShotGrid menu in Alias."
+        default_value: "{self}/menu_customization.py"
+
     debug_logging:
         type: bool
         description: Controls whether debug messages should be emitted to the logger
@@ -78,5 +83,6 @@ requires_shotgun_version:
 requires_core_version: "v0.19.18"
 
 frameworks:
-  - {"name": "tk-framework-aliastranslations", "version": "v0.2.3"}
-  - {"name": "tk-framework-alias", "version": "v1.x.x", "minimum_version": "v1.0.1"}
+  - {"name": "tk-framework-aliastranslations", "version": "v0.x.x", "minimum_version": "v0.2.3"}
+  - {"name": "tk-framework-alias", "version": "v1.x.x", "minimum_version": "v1.2.0"}
+  - {"name": "tk-framework-lmv", "version": "v1.x.x"}
diff --git a/python/tk_alias/menu_generation.py b/python/tk_alias/menu_generation.py
index 44127415..1d794e26 100644
--- a/python/tk_alias/menu_generation.py
+++ b/python/tk_alias/menu_generation.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 # agreement to the Shotgun Pipeline Toolkit Source Code License. All rights
 # not expressly granted therein are reserved by Shotgun Software Inc.
 
+from collections import OrderedDict
 import os
 
 from tank_vendor import six
@@ -17,6 +18,8 @@
 class AliasMenuGenerator(object):
     """Menu handling for Alias."""
 
+    MENU_CUSTOMIZATION_HOOK = "hook_menu_customization"
+
     def __init__(self, engine):
         """
         Initializes a new menu generator.
@@ -27,6 +30,11 @@ def __init__(self, engine):
 
         self.__engine = engine
 
+        menu_customization_path = engine.get_setting(self.MENU_CUSTOMIZATION_HOOK)
+        self.__menu_customization_hook_instance = engine.create_hook_instance(
+            menu_customization_path
+        )
+
         if self._version_check(engine.alias_version, "2024.0") >= 0:
             self.__menu_name = "ShotGrid"
         elif self._version_check(engine.alias_version, "2022.2") >= 0:
@@ -79,17 +87,19 @@ def build(self):
                 parent=plugin_menu,
             )
 
-        # Now enumerate all items and create menu objects for them.
+        # Call the hook to get the engine commands in order.
+        menu_commands = self.__menu_customization_hook_instance.sorted_menu_commands(
+            self.engine.commands
+        )
+
+        # Convert command dictionaries to list of AppCommand objects
         menu_items = []
-        for (cmd_name, cmd_details) in self.engine.commands.items():
+        for (cmd_name, cmd_details) in menu_commands:
             menu_items.append(AppCommand(cmd_name, cmd_details))
 
-        # Sort list of commands in name order
-        menu_items.sort(key=lambda x: x.name)
-
-        # Add favourites
+        # Add favourites in the order that they are defined in the config settings.
         add_separator = True
-        for fav in self.engine.get_setting("menu_favourites"):
+        for fav in self.engine.get_setting("menu_favourites", []):
             app_instance_name = fav["app_instance"]
             menu_name = fav["name"]
 
@@ -103,9 +113,9 @@ def build(self):
                     # Only add a separator for the first menu item
                     add_separator = False
 
-        # Go through all of the menu items.
-        # Separate them out into various sections.
-        commands_by_app = {}
+        # Add the rest of the menu commands. Use an OrderedDict to ensure the ordering of menu
+        # command is preservered (for Python < 3.7)
+        commands_by_app = OrderedDict()
         add_separator = True
         for cmd in menu_items:
 
@@ -127,6 +137,15 @@ def build(self):
         # add all the apps to the main menu
         self._add_apps_to_menu(commands_by_app)
 
+    def remove_menu(self):
+        """Remove the ShotGrid menu from Alias. The menu will be destroyed."""
+
+        if not self.alias_menu:
+            return self.engine.alias_py.AlStatusCode.InvalidObject
+        status = self.alias_menu.remove()
+        self.__alias_menu = None
+        return status
+
     def clean_menu(self):
         """Clean the ShotGrid menu in Alias by removing all its entries."""
 
@@ -164,7 +183,7 @@ def _add_apps_to_menu(self, commands_by_app):
         """
 
         add_separator = True
-        for app_name in sorted(commands_by_app.keys()):
+        for app_name in commands_by_app:
             if len(commands_by_app[app_name]) > 1:
                 # more than one menu entry fort his app
                 # make a sub menu and put all items in the sub menu
diff --git a/startup.py b/startup.py
index 6cd23da3..f1ec2d88 100644
--- a/startup.py
+++ b/startup.py
@@ -260,8 +260,16 @@ def _get_release_version(self, exec_path, code_name):
             os.path.dirname(alias_bindir), "resources", "AboutBox.txt"
         )
 
-        with open(about_box_file, "r") as f:
-            about_box_file_first_line = f.readline().split("\r")[0].strip()
+        try:
+            # First try to read the file with utf-8 encoding. Any errors will be replaced with
+            # the Unicode replacement.
+            with open(about_box_file, "r", encoding="utf-8", errors="replace") as f:
+                about_box_file_first_line = f.readline().split("\r")[0].strip()
+        except UnicodeDecodeError:
+            # Fallback to trying to read the file with the latin-1 encoding. This encoding is
+            # more lenient.
+            with open(about_box_file, "r", encoding="latin-1") as f:
+                about_box_file_first_line = f.readline().split("\r")[0].strip()
 
         release_prefix = "Alias " + code_name
         releases = about_box_file_first_line.strip().split(",")
@@ -401,8 +409,10 @@ def __ensure_plugin_ready(self, framework_location, alias_version, alias_exec_pa
         # Get the pipeline config id
         engine = sgtk.platform.current_engine()
         pipeline_config_id = engine.sgtk.pipeline_configuration.get_shotgun_id()
-        entity_type = self.context.project["type"]
-        entity_id = self.context.project["id"]
+        # Get the entity from the current context
+        entity_dict = self.context.task or self.context.entity or self.context.project
+        entity_type = entity_dict["type"]
+        entity_id = entity_dict["id"]
 
         # Ensure the basic.alias plugin is installed and up to date
         return startup_utils.ensure_plugin_ready(